Cost of Living in Chico, CA
Population 102,032 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Chico lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $455,000 — 49% above the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in California. Around 22% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Chico
The median home value in Chico is $455,300 — 49% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,442/month, 10% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $67,929/year is 9% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.6%, above the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. Overall, Chico has a cost of living index of 133 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 33% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Chico, CA?
Chico has a cost index of 133 (100 = national average). It is 33% above the national average.
What is average rent in Chico, CA?
The median gross rent in Chico is $1,442 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Chico?
The median home value in Chico is $455,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Chico?
The median household income in Chico is $67,929 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Chico, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Chico is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Chico, CA affordable?
Chico is above average in cost of living, with an index of 133 — about 33% higher than the national average.
Chico at a Glance
- Population
- 102,032
- Median Income
- $67,929
- Home Value
- $455,300
- Median Rent
- $1,442/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.6%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs